Obama says it's too early to send experimental Ebola drug to Africa

WASHINGTON (AFP) - US President Barack Obama said on Wednesday it was too soon to send experimental drugs for the treatment of Ebola to West Africa, which has been hardest hit by the deadly outbreak.

Obama said affected countries should instead focus on building a "strong public infrastructure," adding: "I think we have to let the science guide us. And I don't think all the information is in on whether this drug is helpful."

The decision to use an experimental drug to treat two Americans infected with Ebola, while nearly 1,000 Africans have already died from the deadly epidemic, has sparked controversy.

Asked if, should the drug prove to be effective, he would support fast-tracking its approval in the United States, Obama replied: "I think it's premature for me to say that because I don't have enough information. I don't have enough data right now to offer an opinion on that."